It is learnt that a consortium of 22 organizations from the state, country and across the globe has announced the unique effort to initiate the ‘Goa Bird Atlas’. Goa will be just the second state in India after Kerala to initiate the preparation of a bird atlas. The objective of the ‘Goa Bird Atlas’ is reportedly to survey roughly 370 sq km of the state within one calendar year 2023-2024.
The effort shall provide information on the distribution, abundance, long-term change and seasonal patterns of birds in Goa which will become an important tool for conservation. Goa is a small state yet it reportedly hosts almost 4% of the bird species of the world. This is so because of a diverse range of ecosystems ranging from coastal, mangrove, estuarine grassland, wetland and the unique Western Ghats complex. The species count goes to almost 500 including 17 species endemic or near-endemic to the region.
Key birds include the Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Hornbills, eight kingfisher species, grey headed Bulbul, white bellied Wood keeper among others. Wildlife International, Cambridge, has officially classified Goa's area as one of the endemic bird areas of the world. Goa has one National Park at Mollem in Dharbandora taluka and six wildlife sanctuaries. The flame-throated bulbul (Rubigula gularis) is the state bird of Goa.
The state receives many migratory birds in the winter season. One of the most picturesque lakes in Goa, Carambolim Lake is a paradise for bird lovers. This man-made lake is home to a large number of indigenous and migratory birds of which some are aquatic and some are the terrestrial type.
Located in North Goa, Soccorro Plateau is a great place for bird watching in the state. Soccorro Plateau is best visited during the monsoon and winter season, when a large number of birds can be sighted. Other destinations for bird watchers include Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.
What's more, one might also get the opportunity to spot some very rare birds in Goa, including the Long-billed Vulture, Darter, Great Pied Hornbill and Indian Skimmer. Raptors or prey birds are top predators and are representatives of a healthy ecosystem. Thus, it is necessary to save these birds in order to protect many other species.
There are reportedly around 107 species or raptors in India. In Goa too we have many raptor species, the most common being the Brahminy Kite which is usually seen around water bodies, also White-bellied Sea Eagle found near beaches, etc.
